Telugu actor Allu Arjun was taken into police custody following a tragic stampede at the premiere of his highly anticipated film, Pushpa 2, in Hyderabad on December 4. The incident claimed the life of a 39-year-old woman and left her son critically injured, prompting an FIR against the actor, Sandhya Theatre management, and his security team.
Stampede Details
The chaos erupted at Sandhya Theatre when an overwhelming crowd gathered to catch a glimpse of Allu Arjun at the film’s premiere. According to authorities, the theatre management failed to implement adequate crowd control measures, which led to the stampede. Police allege that Arjun’s personal security team worsened the situation by aggressively pushing back the crowd.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Central Zone), Hyderabad Police, Akshansh Yadav, stated, “A case has been filed under Section 105 (punishment for culpable homicide not amounting to murder) and Section 118(1) r/w 3(5) (voluntarily causing hurt or grievous hurt) at Chikkadpally police station based on the complaint of the family members of the deceased person.” The investigation is ongoing, with stringent legal action promised against those responsible.
Police Action and Arrest
On Friday morning, officials from the Hyderabad Police Commissioner’s Task Force and Chikkadpally police station arrested Allu Arjun at his residence. The actor did not resist the arrest but expressed displeasure over the manner in which it was conducted. Reports suggest the police entered his bedroom without prior notice, leaving him no time to change his clothes or finish breakfast. Despite the circumstances, Arjun was seen calmly cooperating, requesting water and tea before leaving for the police station.
His father, renowned film producer Allu Aravind, accompanied him during the arrest. Arjun’s legal team filed a lunch motion petition in the Telangana High Court, seeking relief from arrest until Monday. The petition is scheduled for hearing at 2:30 PM.
Statement Recording and Medical Examination
Following his arrest, Arjun’s statement was recorded at Chikkadpally police station. He was then taken to Gandhi Hospital for a mandatory medical check-up. Authorities have prepared a remand report that will be presented before the magistrate later in the day.
Theatre Management’s Accountability
The investigation revealed glaring lapses in crowd management by the Sandhya Theatre’s administration. Police accused the theatre of failing to arrange separate entry and exit points for the actor and his team, exacerbating the situation. The theatre’s owner and two employees have already been arrested in connection with the incident.
Public Reaction
The stampede and subsequent arrest of Allu Arjun have sent shockwaves across the Telugu film industry and his fanbase. Known for his massive following, Arjun’s arrest has ignited debates on the responsibilities of celebrities and event organizers in ensuring public safety.
As the case unfolds, the spotlight remains on the accountability of high-profile individuals and institutions involved in such large-scale events. Meanwhile, the bereaved family of the deceased woman continues to seek justice for their tragic loss.
